Hispanic Heritage Month in the Classroom

Each year from September 15 to October 15, schools celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month across the United States. This month honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America. For teachers, Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance to highlight significant figures and meaningful traditions in the classroom. It also helps build inclusivity, cultural awareness, and representation for all students in meaningful and practical ways. Here are ideas for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the classroom, with activities for lower and upper grade levels.

Hispanic Heritage Activities for Lower Grades (K–5)

At the elementary level, activities should be engaging, age-appropriate, and focused on introducing students to culture through story, art, and celebration.

• Read Alouds and Storytelling
  Choose picture books by Hispanic and Latino authors, such as Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle or Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal. After reading, encourage students to share their own family traditions or names’ origins.
• Cultural Crafts and Art Projects
  Have students create papel picado (cut paper banners) or decorate classroom doors with colorful murals celebrating Hispanic inventors, athletes, and artists. Art allows younger learners to connect visually and expressively.
• Music and Dance
  Play traditional songs from different countries, such as salsa, merengue, or mariachi. Students can learn a simple dance step or clap rhythms, connecting movement with cultural exploration.
• Classroom Map Connections
  Display a world map and mark the countries represented during Hispanic Heritage Month. Students can research one fun fact about each nation and share it during morning meetings.

Hispanic Heritage Activities for Upper Grades (6–12)

Older students can explore Hispanic heritage through history, literature, and critical thinking. Teachers can integrate lessons into social studies, English, and even STEM subjects.

• Biographical Research Projects
  Assign students to research Hispanic leaders such as Sonia Sotomayor, César Chávez, Ellen Ochoa, or Dolores Huerta. Presentations can take the form of essays, podcasts, or creative posters displayed in the hallway.
• Literature and Primary Sources
  Incorporate poems by Pablo Neruda or short stories by Sandra Cisneros (The House on Mango Street) into reading lists. Students can analyze themes of identity, resilience, and cultural pride.
• STEM Connections
  Highlight contributions from Hispanic scientists and engineers, such as Dr. France Córdova (astrophysicist) or Guillermo González Camarena (inventor of color television). Have students research modern Hispanic innovators in STEM fields.
• Debates and Discussions
  Facilitate classroom discussions on how Hispanic heritage influences American culture today—from food and music to politics and business. Encourage students to connect national contributions to their own communities.

Creating a Classroom Culture of Inclusion

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the classroom is about more than a single set of activities—it’s about fostering a learning environment where all students feel seen and valued. By incorporating books, art, history, and conversations into everyday lessons, teachers ensure that Hispanic voices are recognized as essential to the American story.

If celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the classroom matters to you, consider stepping into the teaching profession yourself. Alternative routes to certification, like American Board, prepare diverse candidates more effectively than traditional university programs. In fact, these pathways help a greater percentage of people of color enter the classroom, ensuring students see themselves reflected in their teachers. Transitioning to teaching not only enriches your career but also strengthens representation and equity for the next generation. Learn how you can do so quickly and affordably by visiting www.americanboard.org.